Ford plans 20% fuel-economy increase by 2020

Ford will increase the fuel economy of its U.S. vehicles at least 20% by 2020 -- a goal aided by the launch of a Focus rated at 105 miles per gallon, the company's top vehicle-development executives said Friday in Dearborn, Mich.

Overall, Ford will use new technologies, lightweight materials and various levels of electrification, said two Ford executives, Derrick Kuzak, the company's retiring global product development boss, and his successor, Raj Nair.

Ford is entering the second phase of its long-term program to reduce oil consumption and build more electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, Kuzak said.

"This is a 30-year story," said Kuzak, adding that every vehicle that Ford introduces should be a leader in fuel economy.

This year's fuel improvements will come from auto-stop, which shuts off the 2013 Fusion's engine at stoplights, new hybrid and battery-powered vehicles, and wider use of turbocharging and direct fuel injection, which uses gas more efficiently. And there's more:

Ford also plans to reduce the weight of every new vehicle by up to 700 pounds, depending on the model. The upcoming Transit commercial van will shave more than 300 pounds from the E-series van it replaces, for example, Nair said.

Ford expects gasoline and hybrid versions of the new Fusion that makes its debut this fall to be very competitive with cars including the Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.

Economic growth in developing nations around the world will increase fuel demand -- and oil prices -- for at least the next 10 years, Ford economist Ellen Hughes-Cromwick said.

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About Chris Woodyard

Chris Woodyard is an auto writer for USA TODAY who covers all aspects of motoring. He revels in the exhaust note of a Maserati and the sharp creases of a Cadillac CTS. Chris strives to live a Porsche life on a Scion budget. More about Chris